Thailand Set to Join US, Australia, India, UK, Sri Lanka, Russia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Canada in Making ETA the New Global Standard: Is This the End of Visa Free Travel? - Travel And Tour World (2025)

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Visa-free travel is changing fast, and Thailand is the latest country to signal that shift. By introducing an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for visa-exempt visitors in 2025, Thailand joins a growing group of nations—including the US, Australia, India, the UK, Sri Lanka, Russia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Canada—that are moving away from the old model of unrestricted entry. These digital permits are now becoming the global standard, requiring travelers to get online approval before departure—even when no traditional visa is needed. With more governments adopting ETAs to boost security and streamline border control, it raises an important question for international travelers: is this the end of visa-free travel as we once knew it?

Visa-free travel used to be simple. If your country had an agreement with another, you could just book a flight, show your passport at the border, and you were in. No extra steps, no paperwork, no surprises. But that’s quickly changing.

Now, Thailand is joining a growing list of countries that no longer allow you to just “show up.” Instead, you’ll need to get an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)—a digital pre-approval that lets you enter the country, even if you don’t need a visa in the traditional sense.

And Thailand isn’t alone. It’s set to join the US, Australia, India, the UK, Sri Lanka, Russia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Canada—all of which have already rolled out their own versions of this system. With so many countries making the switch, it’s worth asking: Is visa-free travel as we know it on its way out?

What Thailand Is Doing

Thailand’s ETA won’t take full effect until June 2025, but the groundwork is already being laid. A pilot version is set to launch in December 2024, giving travelers and immigration systems time to adjust.

The ETA will apply to visitors from countries that currently don’t need a visa to enter Thailand. You’ll be able to apply online through the government’s existing e-Visa platform, and once you’re approved, you’ll be allowed to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days. That stay can be extended by another 30 days if needed.

At this stage, Thailand’s ETA is expected to be free of charge, although this could change once the system is fully operational. Certain groups—like diplomats and holders of UN travel documents—will be exempt, as will travelers using border passes in certain regions.

To speed things up at the airport, Thailand is also expanding its Automated Passport Control (APC) systems. These self-service gates will soon be available to more travelers with electronic passports, making the arrival process a lot smoother—at least for those who have everything in order.

Thailand’s Not Alone: Here’s What the Others Are Doing

Thailand is simply the latest to hop on the ETA train. Around the world, countries are rethinking how they let travelers in, and many are settling on the same solution: pre-travel digital clearance.

Let’s take a look at what’s already in place in other countries:

United States – ESTA
If you’re visiting the US from a Visa Waiver country, you’ll need an ESTA. It costs $21, lasts for two years, and lets you stay for up to 90 days at a time. It’s quick to apply for online, but if you don’t have it, you won’t even be allowed to board your flight.

Canada – eTA
Canada’s version is called the eTA, and it’s a bargain at CAN$7. It’s valid for five years or until your passport expires. If you’re flying into Canada from a visa-exempt country, you need one—no exceptions.

Australia – ETA
Australia offers an ETA for selected nationalities. It costs AU$20 and is valid for 12 months, allowing stays of up to three months at a time. The application is done via a mobile app, and approval is usually fast.

India – e-Visa
India’s e-Visa comes in several flavors depending on your reason for travel—tourism, business, medical. Costs range from US$10 to US$80, and the visa can be valid from 30 days to 5 years, depending on what you apply for.

United Kingdom – ETA
The UK rolled out its ETA in phases. By April 2, 2025, it’ll be mandatory for most visa-exempt travelers. The ETA costs £10, but that price increases to £16 from April 9, 2025. It’s valid for two years, and once you have it, you can enter the UK as often as you like during that period—for short visits only.

New Zealand – NZeTA
New Zealand’s NZeTA is valid for two years and costs NZ$9–12, plus a NZ$35 tourism levy. It’s required for travelers from visa-waiver countries and even cruise passengers.

South Korea – K-ETA
South Korea introduced the K-ETA in 2021. It costs around ₩10,000 (about US$9) and is valid for two years, covering multiple short stays.

Sri Lanka – ETA
Sri Lanka has had an ETA system for a while now. It allows a 30-day stay, which can be extended, and costs US$35 for most nationalities. SAARC country nationals pay a reduced rate.

Russia – e-Visa
Russia’s e-Visa allows short visits of up to 16 days. It’s valid for 60 days from the date of issue and costs US$40. It’s required for tourists from eligible countries.

European Union – ETIAS (Coming Soon)
The EU plans to launch its own version, ETIAS, in 2026. It’ll apply to travelers from over 60 visa-exempt countries visiting any of the 30 EU and Schengen countries. It’ll cost €7 and be valid for three years.

So Why Is Everyone Doing This?

There are a few big reasons why countries are introducing ETAs:

• Security – Governments want to know who’s entering the country before they arrive.
• Efficiency – ETAs reduce processing time at the border and help authorities manage arrivals more smoothly.
• Revenue – Even small fees from millions of travelers add up fast.
• Data – With an ETA system, immigration authorities can collect better information and track who’s coming and going.

What used to be a relaxed system of trust is now becoming a global web of digital pre-approval and screening. And it’s not just about stopping unwanted travelers—it’s also about keeping things moving for the people they do want to welcome.

Is This the End of Visa-Free Travel?

That depends on how you define “visa-free.”

Technically, these travelers still don’t need a full visa. You don’t have to go to an embassy. You don’t need an interview or supporting documents. You just go online, apply, pay a small fee, and wait for approval.

But still—it’s not as “free” as it used to be. There’s now a barrier, however light, between you and your destination. You have to plan ahead. You might be denied. You might miss your flight if you forget to apply.

So, visa-free travel isn’t gone, but it’s being redefined. The freedom to enter a country without any preparation is quickly disappearing, replaced by a new model: digital permission with minimal friction.

What You Should Do as a Traveler

As more countries move toward ETA systems, travelers will need to adjust. Here’s how you can stay ahead:

• Check entry requirements every time you book a trip—even for countries you’ve visited before.
• Apply early, ideally a week before departure, just in case there are delays.
• Keep track of fees—they add up if you travel frequently.
• Remember passport validity—ETAs are tied to your passport number, so if your passport expires, so does your authorization.
• Stay organized—you may soon need to juggle multiple ETAs from different countries.

This is the new normal for global travel. It’s not worse—just different. And once you’re used to it, the process is pretty painless.

With Thailand preparing to join countries like the US, UK, Australia, India, and South Korea in requiring ETAs for visa-exempt travelers, it’s clear that this isn’t just a passing trend. It’s the future of international travel.

Thailand is set to introduce an ETA for visa-free travelers, joining countries like the US, UK, and Australia in making digital pre-approval the new norm—signaling a global shift that could mark the end of traditional visa-free travel.

So, is this the end of visa-free travel? Maybe not completely—but it’s definitely the end of the old version. In its place is a smarter, safer, more controlled system that gives governments more oversight and travelers more responsibility.

Thailand City Guide: Explore the Best Cities, Attractions, and Cultural Highlights in the Land of Smiles

Bangkok – The Energetic Capital
Thailand’s capital is a vibrant collision of tradition and modernity. From golden temples to rooftop bars, Bangkok is a city that never stops moving.

Top Things to Do in Bangkok

• Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha
• Explore Wat Arun and Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
• Cruise the Chao Phraya River by boat taxi or private dinner cruise
• Shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market or the upscale ICONSIAM Mall
• Take a street food tour in Chinatown (Yaowarat) or sample Thai flavors on Soi 38

Travel Tip: Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT to beat the traffic and explore the city quickly.

Chiang Mai – Northern Culture & Nature
Set against a mountainous backdrop, Chiang Mai offers a quieter, more spiritual side of Thailand with deep roots in Lanna culture.

Top Things to Do in Chiang Mai

• Walk the Old City moat and visit ancient temples like Wat Chedi Luang
• Hike or drive to Doi Suthep Temple for panoramic views of the city
• Shop for handcrafted goods at the Sunday Night Market or Warorot Market
• Spend time at an ethical elephant sanctuary
• Take a Thai cooking class or enjoy a Lanna-style dinner with traditional dance

Travel Tip: Visit during Yi Peng (Lantern Festival) in November for an unforgettable cultural experience.

Phuket – Island Luxury Meets Nightlife
Thailand’s largest island is famous for its beaches, high-end resorts, and nightlife.

Top Things to Do in Phuket

• Relax on Patong, Kata, and Karon beaches
• Take a speedboat tour to the Phi Phi Islands or James Bond Island
• Visit the Big Buddha and Wat Chalong
• Explore Phuket Old Town with its colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture
• Dive or snorkel at Coral Island or Similan Islands

Travel Tip: For quieter beach vibes, head south to Nai Harn or Surin Beach.

Krabi – Limestone Cliffs & Adventure
Ideal for beach lovers and adventure seekers, Krabi offers stunning natural beauty and easy island access.

Top Things to Do in Krabi

• Rock climb the cliffs of Railay Beach
• Island-hop to Koh Hong, Koh Poda, and Chicken Island
• Kayak through mangrove forests and hidden lagoons in Ao Thalane
• Relax at Ao Nang or the tranquil Tubkaek Beach
• Hike to the Tiger Cave Temple for a panoramic sunrise

Travel Tip: Krabi is a great base for exploring both land and sea in southern Thailand.

Ayutthaya – Ancient Ruins & UNESCO History
Once the capital of the Siamese Kingdom, Ayutthaya is packed with historical significance and striking ruins.

Top Things to Do in Ayutthaya

• Explore Wat Mahathat (famous for the Buddha head in tree roots)
• Cycle through Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Take a boat cruise around the old city’s moats and rivers
• Visit Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Travel Tip: It’s an easy day trip from Bangkok—by train, car, or boat.

Pattaya – Beachside Fun & Entertainment
Just two hours from Bangkok, Pattaya is known for its beaches, nightlife, and family attractions.

Top Things to Do in Pattaya

• Enjoy water sports at Pattaya Beach or Jomtien Beach
• Visit Sanctuary of Truth, a massive wooden temple by the sea
• Take a day trip to Koh Larn (Coral Island)
• Explore the vibrant nightlife of Walking Street
• Visit Nong Nooch Tropical Garden and Pattaya Floating Market

Travel Tip: Great for short getaways and accessible for travelers with limited time.

Hua Hin – Royal Retreat & Relaxation
This coastal city is popular for its laid-back vibe, clean beaches, and Thai royal heritage.

Top Things to Do in Hua Hin

• Visit the Hua Hin Night Market and try fresh seafood
• Explore the Cicada Market for art, music, and crafts
• Walk the long stretch of Hua Hin Beach
• See the Maruekhathaiyawan Palace, a seaside teakwood mansion
• Hike Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

Travel Tip: Ideal for families, couples, and older travelers seeking a quieter stay.

Sukhothai – Thailand’s First Kingdom
A hidden gem for history buffs, Sukhothai is where Thai civilization began.

Top Things to Do in Sukhothai

• Visit Sukhothai Historical Park, home to over 20 ancient temples
• Cycle through the park for a serene and immersive experience
• See Wat Mahathat and Wat Si Chum with its massive seated Buddha
• Enjoy quiet village life and traditional Thai hospitality

Travel Tip: Best visited in the cool season (November–February) for comfort.

Getting Around Thailand

• Domestic flights are cheap and convenient for longer distances
• Trains offer scenic routes—especially Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya
• Buses and minivans connect most cities and towns
• Tuk-tuks, Grab, and songthaews (shared taxis) are common in urban areas

When to Visit

• Cool season (Nov–Feb): Best weather, peak tourist time
• Hot season (Mar–May): Great for beaches but very warm inland
• Rainy season (Jun–Oct): Lush scenery, fewer crowds, occasional downpours

If you’ve ever traveled on a whim without a second thought, you might need to rethink that habit. In the age of ETAs, travelers must now check in digitally before they check in at the airport.